84 reviews
Monstrous has a great 50s soundtrack and setting. It also has Christina Ricci on top form. What the movie doesn't have is anything new or interesting to say, the plot has been done ad nauseum and the 'twist' can be seen from a mile away. It's such a shame as Christina Ricci is a great actress and really should be given more interesting work, she isn't on the big screen as often as she deserves to be.
- johnnyhbtvs27
- May 16, 2022
- Permalink
My wish is really simple - I would have preferred if the producers had decided to go for a simple horror movie. The "twist" of the story is no twist, because it is far to obvious right from the beginning. On the pro side there is solid acting (nice to watch Christina Ricci) and production. A missed opportunity.
- Tweetienator
- May 15, 2022
- Permalink
I have to admit that I was initially lured in to watching the 2022 mystery thriller "Monstrous" given the movie's cover/poster, but also because it was a movie that I hadn't already seen.
Writer Carol Chrest didn't really manage to churn out a storyline that was particularly inspiring. In fact, the movie's storyline was rather mundane and predictable. The movie started out fair enough, but then quickly settled into a monotonous pace without much of any excitement.
It is a movie with a rather small cast ensemble, but I will say that Christina Ricci carried the movie quite nicely, as did child actor Santino Barnard. It was nice to see Lew Temple in the movie, despite of him having only a small role.
Visually then "Monstrous" was actually good. Great special effects, which definitely added a lot to the movie, since the storyline was rather bland.
Ultimately then "Monstrous" was a movie that came and went without leaving a lasting impression. And I guess that come the end of the week, the movie will be a distant speck of a memory only. This is not a movie that I will be returning to watch a second time, nor is it a movie that I would recommend horror fans to rush out to get to watch.
My rating of "Monstrous", from director Chris Sivertson, lands on a four out of ten stars.
Writer Carol Chrest didn't really manage to churn out a storyline that was particularly inspiring. In fact, the movie's storyline was rather mundane and predictable. The movie started out fair enough, but then quickly settled into a monotonous pace without much of any excitement.
It is a movie with a rather small cast ensemble, but I will say that Christina Ricci carried the movie quite nicely, as did child actor Santino Barnard. It was nice to see Lew Temple in the movie, despite of him having only a small role.
Visually then "Monstrous" was actually good. Great special effects, which definitely added a lot to the movie, since the storyline was rather bland.
Ultimately then "Monstrous" was a movie that came and went without leaving a lasting impression. And I guess that come the end of the week, the movie will be a distant speck of a memory only. This is not a movie that I will be returning to watch a second time, nor is it a movie that I would recommend horror fans to rush out to get to watch.
My rating of "Monstrous", from director Chris Sivertson, lands on a four out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- May 12, 2022
- Permalink
- imcharleen
- Apr 4, 2023
- Permalink
Shout outs to Christina Ricci, I haven't seen her in lead role in quite some time. But I gotta say Monstrous was a you think the story is going somewhere but then it becomes a made no sense monstrosity. I mean I totally get the story premise but the execution was convulted and fell flat. Ricci did her best but lousy scripts only hurt good actors rep. Watch with low expectations so you won't be disappointed with the ending.
- LordCommandar
- May 15, 2022
- Permalink
They did this film a huge disservice by marketing it as horror. There is nothing in the fim that is remotely horror. There is a supernatural element but supernatural does not equal horror. If it had been marketed as fantasy or psychological drama an entirely different audience would view it. I believe that it would have much better reviews.
Cristina Ricci, as Laura, does a superb job portraying the many different emotions that one experiences when enduring the circumstance that is the theme of the film. The scenery is well done using upbeat 1950's music and bright colors to depict how Laura views the world.
Bring tissues.
Cristina Ricci, as Laura, does a superb job portraying the many different emotions that one experiences when enduring the circumstance that is the theme of the film. The scenery is well done using upbeat 1950's music and bright colors to depict how Laura views the world.
Bring tissues.
- twentyangel
- Nov 17, 2022
- Permalink
I'm pretty easy on movies/shows. Very forgiving.
Pretty much all I ask is decent acting, decent pacing and some semblance of a story. For the life I can't understand why Ms. Ricci is in this mess? An established actress like this has to question her "people" and her judgment I think.
The story is super obvious and makes no sense at all.
Special effects are sort of ok. The kid actor is really lacking and that is surprising to me because I see really good child actors often now. It's just not worth your time and I hope Wednesday can rebound.
Pretty much all I ask is decent acting, decent pacing and some semblance of a story. For the life I can't understand why Ms. Ricci is in this mess? An established actress like this has to question her "people" and her judgment I think.
The story is super obvious and makes no sense at all.
Special effects are sort of ok. The kid actor is really lacking and that is surprising to me because I see really good child actors often now. It's just not worth your time and I hope Wednesday can rebound.
- tragic-94619
- May 14, 2022
- Permalink
I believe most of the poor review is because the person expecting to see a horror but instead it is a psychological thriller. The acting is good, the story isn't very original but hey, it is hard to come by with an original ideas these day so it is just mediocre. Overall, me and my wife did enjoy this.
Somehow slow, somehow ok, but in the end a very disappointing movie. Miss Ricci is doing her best, but it doesn't help the movie to be more watchable. Not a stinker, but not average either.
Reading all the comments you will see so much of how the.twist is not origional or surprising. I knew where it was going as well, but I truly enjoyed the journey getting there. This movie is a beautiful look at mental health. The cinematography is outstanding. The camera showed you the hole in the story. Also the set and costumes were so beautifully done that it all added to the overall feeling of the work as a piece. Christinna Ricci absolutely did not fail to deliver. I will be watching this one again to see the things I missed. After that I'll probably watch it a dozen more times just to enjoy it. This is one I will be adding to my collection of films I watch repeatedly.
- joshuaanastasialove
- Jul 17, 2022
- Permalink
Horrible review because people only compare it to others...
Christina Ricci is brillant. This is a psychological thriller with a touch of horror.
A story with a touch of poetry. The idealized 50's with perfect mums doll look a like... Yet the reviews were superficial the movie isn't perfect but over the 4.6. For real viewers.
A story with a touch of poetry. The idealized 50's with perfect mums doll look a like... Yet the reviews were superficial the movie isn't perfect but over the 4.6. For real viewers.
- charliemouse-06733
- Aug 6, 2022
- Permalink
As soon as this film starts, you know it's low-quality.
First of all, the amount of companies involved is a red flag. Then you see all their cheap, tacky, cringy logos all pop up one-by-one...they look like they were made with Microsoft PowerPoint using Windows 95...they are ugly! Then there's the horrible font they use for the titles...everything in the first 2 minutes makes you feel like you're watching a made for TV joint, on a Sunday afternoon.
How they landed Ricci, is nothing short of amazing!
The film just throws you in at the deep end, with no build-up, or explanation as to who we're watching, or why they're moving. I hate that. It would literally take a 30 second scene, to establish things.
Everyone in this seems sedated. Like an entire cast of sloths, disguised as humans.
The story is boring, the cinematography is dull and washed out, the music is just famous old songs that have been used in millions of films before - like how many times has 'Mr Sandman, bring me a dream' been used for a scene about someone sleeping? Other sleep-related songs are available. Sheesh!
The majority of the budget must of been used on Ricci's fee...and licensing the songs, because everything else looked 'bargain basement'.
I could only manage an hour, before I had to knock it on the head - which is generous for me, as I usually only give films 15 minutes, or so...I guess Ricci's beauty kept me interested...but inevitably, not even she was enough...and I'd be better off using Google images(!)
Finally, I'm noticing a recent trend in 'horror' films, where scenes involving the 'horror', are almost pitch black...it doesn't add anything to the the scene...it actually TAKES AWAY from it! How can I be scared of something that I can't see? That only works, when the 'horror' is intentionally hidden, (like a poltergeist). It doesn't work when the thing you're supposed to be scared of is on-screen, but too dark to see it!
Anyway, I kind of knew this was going to be 'no frills' from the moment I pressed play - films that can't even be bothered to use a suitable font for their titles, are not going to be Oscar nominated. They might as well have used comic sans(!)
Not a good film...not at all. But CR is still a doll...so every cloud.
First of all, the amount of companies involved is a red flag. Then you see all their cheap, tacky, cringy logos all pop up one-by-one...they look like they were made with Microsoft PowerPoint using Windows 95...they are ugly! Then there's the horrible font they use for the titles...everything in the first 2 minutes makes you feel like you're watching a made for TV joint, on a Sunday afternoon.
How they landed Ricci, is nothing short of amazing!
The film just throws you in at the deep end, with no build-up, or explanation as to who we're watching, or why they're moving. I hate that. It would literally take a 30 second scene, to establish things.
Everyone in this seems sedated. Like an entire cast of sloths, disguised as humans.
The story is boring, the cinematography is dull and washed out, the music is just famous old songs that have been used in millions of films before - like how many times has 'Mr Sandman, bring me a dream' been used for a scene about someone sleeping? Other sleep-related songs are available. Sheesh!
The majority of the budget must of been used on Ricci's fee...and licensing the songs, because everything else looked 'bargain basement'.
I could only manage an hour, before I had to knock it on the head - which is generous for me, as I usually only give films 15 minutes, or so...I guess Ricci's beauty kept me interested...but inevitably, not even she was enough...and I'd be better off using Google images(!)
Finally, I'm noticing a recent trend in 'horror' films, where scenes involving the 'horror', are almost pitch black...it doesn't add anything to the the scene...it actually TAKES AWAY from it! How can I be scared of something that I can't see? That only works, when the 'horror' is intentionally hidden, (like a poltergeist). It doesn't work when the thing you're supposed to be scared of is on-screen, but too dark to see it!
Anyway, I kind of knew this was going to be 'no frills' from the moment I pressed play - films that can't even be bothered to use a suitable font for their titles, are not going to be Oscar nominated. They might as well have used comic sans(!)
Not a good film...not at all. But CR is still a doll...so every cloud.
- Go_For_The_Jugular
- May 13, 2022
- Permalink
I'm so upset I spent $7 on this movie :-( Useless s scenes throughout that do not add any content to what's actually happening. So many things that just didn't make sense. Corny scenes too. Just really strange. Not scary and not entertaining even.
- 109YearsOld
- May 14, 2022
- Permalink
Same story. Same ending. Why are directors even doing this? And Ricci has somehow forgotten how to act.
One last thing: it is not a thriller, it is not horror, it is not mystery; it is a sad attempt at drama.
One last thing: it is not a thriller, it is not horror, it is not mystery; it is a sad attempt at drama.
I don't know why this is so poorly rated on here. Probably teenagers expecting a slasher or something. I would say this is a very mild horror with a good story.
Anyway, for the adults, this is a good solid story where you are never quite sure where it will go
The acting is superb, and is the production.
One thing you might find odd is the constant references to Hotpoint - but this becomes clear in the end.
Well worth a watch.
Anyway, for the adults, this is a good solid story where you are never quite sure where it will go
The acting is superb, and is the production.
One thing you might find odd is the constant references to Hotpoint - but this becomes clear in the end.
Well worth a watch.
Really bad movie but at least the soundtrack, costumes and decor were nice. Not a drop of scary in this movie, more slow and boring than anything. Different style of cast for once. I appreciated the vacation from the same nonsense, they keep making. Kid actors used to be so great, wonder what happened? Now it's like they pick a random kid from a school and throw them in a movie.
- Before2020
- Jun 11, 2022
- Permalink
A 1950s mom gets away with her son to a remote rented house, but something sinister keeps emerging from the pond out back.
Psychic trip, not a real horror, but done with great style in the cinematography and set dressing, and a gorgeous soundtrack of period tunes.
The lead performance is spot on, with a willingness to please barely concealing a wire-taut inner conflict. From the start it's clear we're in a subconscious world elaborately maintained in technicolor dresses and bob hairstyles, shadowed by subtle undertones in the score to generate a sense of the uncanny. The pace does drag a little, I think because the viewer has no relief in the constant look-out for clues to the mystery. Although the scenes are nice and crisp, the editing smooth, at no point did I lose myself in the events.
At the heart of the story is the return of repressed emotion, but perhaps the writer mistook her starting point: it's not the event in the pool, but the reaction to that event - in other words, why is the process so difficult for this particular woman? Perhaps the line about fault needed a rethink, with something more troubled lurking behind.
Overall: Domesticated uncanny.
Psychic trip, not a real horror, but done with great style in the cinematography and set dressing, and a gorgeous soundtrack of period tunes.
The lead performance is spot on, with a willingness to please barely concealing a wire-taut inner conflict. From the start it's clear we're in a subconscious world elaborately maintained in technicolor dresses and bob hairstyles, shadowed by subtle undertones in the score to generate a sense of the uncanny. The pace does drag a little, I think because the viewer has no relief in the constant look-out for clues to the mystery. Although the scenes are nice and crisp, the editing smooth, at no point did I lose myself in the events.
At the heart of the story is the return of repressed emotion, but perhaps the writer mistook her starting point: it's not the event in the pool, but the reaction to that event - in other words, why is the process so difficult for this particular woman? Perhaps the line about fault needed a rethink, with something more troubled lurking behind.
Overall: Domesticated uncanny.
Feels underdeveloped ... acting is atrocious , even Christina Ricci is not what I've expected ...All in all a bland "psychological " thriller , masquerading like a creature - feature ... Weak ...
- tchitouniaram
- May 29, 2022
- Permalink
I'm sad to see this movie has so many negative reviews, I truly enjoyed it. The story telling was beautiful and there were so many artistic undertones, I recommend everyone should at least give it a chance. While watching, be sure to look out for subliminal messages and hidden metaphors, it's worth watching for those reasons. Sure, it isn't what most would consider "HORROR," and that could be why some viewers may react negativily toward the film, it is more of a "Drama/Thriller." Christina Ricci is always amazing, some of her scenes in this film even brought me to tears. I'm happy to give it a 10/10!
Filmed silverscreen horror happening in the fifth layer of the process of grieving. Lovely acts of the forever young and dandy beautiful christina ricci, 20 and some forever, acting as the protective mum of her boy cody somewhere california in the 1950's
soundtrack is perfect, filmographically a fairitail adventour, the monstrous parts not so scary as could be, and with some very strange twists in the end. For some viewers the story may feel flat and the plot slow at some moments but the visual impression of the craftmanship of moviemaking did elevate that to me.
Its a film that may grow in the aftermath of your thoughts, as there are no doupt it could be processed loads of ways.
But i liked this one, not so darn original, but the parafranelia and gadgets of tghe time era has been used extremely well.so creep under the cloak of sinisterness of sorrow and why it became as it did.confusing , yes, but recommendable thinks the grumpy old man.
soundtrack is perfect, filmographically a fairitail adventour, the monstrous parts not so scary as could be, and with some very strange twists in the end. For some viewers the story may feel flat and the plot slow at some moments but the visual impression of the craftmanship of moviemaking did elevate that to me.
Its a film that may grow in the aftermath of your thoughts, as there are no doupt it could be processed loads of ways.
But i liked this one, not so darn original, but the parafranelia and gadgets of tghe time era has been used extremely well.so creep under the cloak of sinisterness of sorrow and why it became as it did.confusing , yes, but recommendable thinks the grumpy old man.
This is a movie that can mostly be described as "fine." The best parts are the performance by Ricci and the visually pleasing images. Nothing else stands out. Most of it maxes at mediocre. And it goes in directions later in the movie that range from interesting to predictable to nonsensical. (1 viewing, 7/17/2022)
Finely chop some disjointed and muddled, mix in a soupçon of poor acting and flavourless script. Simmer for just over an hour until nearly dry, then add a twist of predictable and a pinch of tedious, you've got one great big steaming bouillabaisse of boring.
- MikeWright75
- May 19, 2022
- Permalink